episode_0062

had only recently returned to the academy before having to return to her family home. This was because her mother and father urgently wished to meet her. But seriously, for what matter did they summon me? If they had a story they wanted to convey, they could have sent a letter. If they truly wanted to talk, it would have been more convenient for them to come visit me. However, they specifically wanted to talk at the family home. It wasn’t strange to think it was because things were busy inside and outside the family these days, making it difficult for them to leave, but I was still a little dissatisfied with the fact that they specifically made me travel back and forth. Well, to be honest, what I was dissatisfied with was the fact that the time I could spend with Ropel was decreasing. Just when my plan had succeeded and I managed to become his lover, I had to leave his side not long after. Since I would only be talking with my parents at the family home, I wouldn’t be there for very long, but it was truly a shame that I couldn’t spend even a little more time with Ropel. On top of that, I was planning to firmly let the other female cats who were loitering around him know who their owner was. Since I had only just informed Seraphina that I was dating him, there were still many women left to deal with in the future. Just among the individuals I can think of right now, there’s Elezgio Gremlina, who was making that unpleasant potion that causes memory loss. Isabella Kshatri, who used to act all high and mighty but started sticking right by Ropel’s side at some point. And… uh… who was it…? Surely… she was a woman with freckles… Why can’t I remember her name…? Anyway, just among the academy students, there are more than enough other female cats who were targeting my love, Ropel. Now that the start of the semester is approaching, one by one they might return to the academy and target him, my love, again. I’m talking about him, who is currently my boyfriend and will eventually become my husband and share the same surname. Actually, even now, leaving his side empty like this, I’m worried that something might happen to him. Although he is the man I love, Ropel had, how should I put it, truly complicated relationships with women. The story got a bit sidetracked in the middle, but I will return to the main point. Regarding the matter for which my mother and father specifically called me to the family home. Actually, I still don’t know well what matter they called me for. This was because the letter that arrived along with the carriage to take me only contained the words asking me to return to the family home. They didn’t tell me at all what was happening at the family home or for what reason. Since there hadn’t been any particular problems in the family recently, my head naturally tilted. Did something happen at the family home? Although it’s a busy time, the recent financial situation with business going well wasn’t bad, so there was no particular reason. Did some incident occur within the territory? If so, it would be a big problem, but there’s no reason for them to specifically summon me to the family home. Whatever it is, there’s nothing else to do but return myself and talk. While I was having such thoughts, the carriage had already arrived in front of the mansion of my family home, the Tistina family. I entered a room, escorted by the servants. There were my father, Burgess Tistina, and my mother, Croa Tistina. “We were waiting. Lilith. I’m sorry we made you return when you had only just left. But it couldn’t be helped as it was a matter that couldn’t be conveyed just by sending a letter.” “I’m sorry, our daughter. You must have been busy preparing various things right before the start of the semester. Still, it was an urgent matter, so it couldn’t be helped.” “It’s alright, Father, Mother.” “Then let’s get straight to the main point. Firstly, among the letters sent by our family, there was writing mixed in that I had never written.” “…” I knew what that letter was. It was the letter I had sent to Ropel’s family home. It was a letter asking about his relationships with women or about marriage. Actually, it was also a letter I had sent using the family’s name without my father knowing. I thought I had handled the aftermath properly, but it seems he noticed in the end. “Don’t ask how I knew. I had my ways. Anyway, seeing that you acted so boldly, it seems you finally intend to seriously put various things into action.” “..So, did you perhaps call me back this time because of that matter? “You could say that. So, Lilith, my daughter. Listen without misunderstanding, as I’m asking very cautiously. It’s… *sigh*… Darling, I’m sorry, but could you say it instead? It doesn’t seem right for me to bring up these words again.” “Heh heh, you really are something… Yes, Lilith. What your father wants to ask you is, in a way, the same story as last time. The person you currently adore… Ropel Teufel… You have no intention of giving him up, do you?” I wondered what they would ask, but I didn’t expect them to bring up a story that was already over a year ago. I felt a slight surge of annoyance, but I still proudly raised my head and opened my mouth. “No way. I can never give that up. Didn’t this story already end last time?” While questioning my parents for bringing up a finished story only now, I answered resolutely. “Haa… As expected…” Seeing my reaction, my father sighed deeply. “First, I have no choice but to apologize again, Lilith. I also said I wouldn’t interfere between the two of you anymore, now that I know what kind of person that Ropel is, and the relationship between him and you. But I am truly sorry for bringing up such a story again not long after that. But there is a reason for me bringing up this story now.” My father took a sip of tea, wet his lips, and continued his story. “As you know, our Tistina family is an upper-class family that succeeded greatly in commerce, and at one time was subjected to the Imperial family’s restraint due to its immense capital. Thus, the previous family heads, while sacrificing some profit, gave the Imperial family more stake than necessary for the peace of the territory and the family, and soon made the Imperial family a reliable ally. Thanks to that, up to the present, our family has built a friendly relationship with the Imperial family, and we are exchanging information knowingly or unknowingly. And recently, through a close acquaintance working in the Imperial palace, I heard that the Imperial family’s actions have been unusual.” The Imperial family, you say. Certainly, it seems there was a period of considerable commotion after the end of the academy semester last year. I remember strange rumors even circulating centered around various figures related to the Imperial family, including the Prime Minister, the Emperor, and even the Princess. “But what does the Imperial family’s actions have to do with you asking me if I will give up Ropel?” “Yes, that is exactly the part I want to talk about now. None other than that Imperial family, specifically Princess Tiara Dandelion, is targeting Ropel Teufel, that man.” The Imperial family, Ropel? My mind is confused by the combination of two words that don’t fit together at all. Thinking about it, certainly, I remember Princess Tiara Altarian showing an unusual degree of interest in Ropel. It’s not that I’m always sticking by Ropel, but still, I always thought it was strange that she, who had no particular connection and didn’t meet him often, showed interest in him. At most, they would only have seen each other’s faces a few times in passing just because they were in the same Magic Faculty, yet she showed a trusting attitude towards him that seemed excessive. “Could you explain in more detail?” “You probably already know that Lady Tiara Altarian has withdrawn from the succession to the throne. And at the same time, they say she might make some huge announcement within a year…. And they say that Ropel Teufel is probably deeply involved in this matter.” “….I see. That Princess…” “The reason I asked you if you could give up Ropel is because of this. We don’t know the exact reason yet, but the Princess wishes to keep that man, Ropel Teufel, by her side. Although our family has a friendly relationship with the Imperial family, if you consider the hierarchy, our side is in the subordinate position. Although the Princess has given up the succession to the throne, she was once the number one candidate for succession. This means that even we cannot avoid being mindful of her.” “So, were you thinking of telling me to give up my love for the future of the family?” “…It would be a lie to say I didn’t harbor such thoughts, but that’s not the main point. I said it because I was worried about you, my daughter.” I was a little surprised because my father gave a more unexpected answer than I thought. “I know well how much you think of and adore that man, Ropel. However, if things continue like this, won’t you be facing the Princess as a rival? That’s why I asked, worried that someday… you might experience hardship and difficulties because of love and get deeply hurt… But seeing your attitude now, it seems there’s no need to ask any further.” “…Father” “Hoo… I’m sorry, the story ends here. Recently, conversations at the academy leak out strangely easily, so there was no choice but to call you to the family home to talk. I’m truly sorry as you are busy right now. If you wish, you may depart for the academy right away. Just in case, I’ve prepared a separate carriage that can depart right away.” “Of course, if you’re tired, you may stay at the family home a little longer, my dear.” “Thank you, Father, Mother. Then, I apologize, but I will head straight for the academy. This is because the start of the semester is close and I have many things to prepare right away.” It might seem a little heartless, but I left the room again only a short while after returning to the family home. However, the distance from the family home to the academy was considerable, requiring a full day’s carriage ride, so I had no choice but to depart early. Because my parents also understood that part, they didn’t block my path, even though they felt regret. To be honest, it was because I wanted to return to Ropel’s side even one day sooner. Still, before leaving the family home, I decided to convey just one more thing to my parents. “…And Father, Mother, to be honest and to add this… I have now become lovers with him, Ropel. So, you don’t need to worry too much about our relationship from now on.” Both my father and mother showed strong reactions upon hearing this, but since it was obvious that I would be bombarded with countless questions, especially from my mother, if I were held back like this, I hurried towards the carriage.